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In Vitro Enzyme Measurement to Test Pharmacological Chaperone Responsiveness in Fabry and Pompe Disease
Published on: December 20, 2017
[Diagnosis and Management of Late-Onset Pompe Disease]
Philipp Hahn1, Rainer-Georg Siefen1, Korbinian Benz2
1Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany.
Insights
Pompe disease, a rare lysosomal storage disorder, presents varied symptoms, making early diagnosis crucial. Enzyme replacement therapy and genetic testing improve outcomes for patients with this complex muscular disorder.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Neurology
Context:
- Pompe disease is a rare lysosomal storage disorder affecting multiple organ systems with diverse symptoms.
- Early diagnosis is challenging due to the wide range of clinical presentations.
- The introduction of enzyme replacement therapy highlights the importance of timely diagnosis.
Purpose:
- To provide an overview of Pompe disease, focusing on the diagnostic challenges of the late-onset type.
- To outline essential aspects of interdisciplinary care for Pompe disease patients.
- To address the psychosocial challenges faced by affected children and their families.
Summary:
- This article reviews Pompe disease, a lysosomal storage disorder with variable onset and symptoms.
- It emphasizes the critical role of early diagnosis through enzyme activity testing and genetic verification.
- Key elements of multidisciplinary care and psychosocial support for patients and families are discussed.
Impact:
- Facilitates earlier and more accurate diagnosis of Pompe disease, particularly the late-onset form.
- Improves understanding of comprehensive care strategies, including psychosocial support.
- Enhances quality of life for individuals with Pompe disease and their families through informed management.
Abstract:
Pompe disease is a lysosomal storage disorder, with onset between the first weeks after birth and adulthood, depending on its phenotype. It can affect multiple organ systems and presents itself with a wide variety of symptoms. Thus, recognizing Pompe disease is difficult. Especially since enzyme replacement therapy for Pompe disease was introduced (in Germany in 2006), early diagnosis by means of enzyme activity determination from dried blood spot analysis and genetic verification has become important for outcome and quality of life. When facing an obscure muscular disorder, it is crucial to consider Pompe disease. This article provides an overview about Pompe disease and focuses on the diagnosis of the late onset type. The most important aspects of interdiciplinary care for patients with Pompe disease are presented. Additionally, it contains a section focusing on psychosocial challenges for children with Pompe disease and their families, which may include mental disorders and social retreat, and gives advice on how to support parents of affected children.
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